Cats safety

Is Nasturtium Safe for Cats?

Quick answer

ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as non-toxic to cats and reports no records of toxic ingestion. NC State Extension's profile also tags the species as a potential problem for cats without explaining the basis, so confirm the plant identity and discourage chewing.

Nasturtium houseplant

Is Nasturtium safe for cats?

Safe

ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as non-toxic to cats and reports no records of toxic ingestion. NC State Extension's profile also tags the species as a potential problem for cats without explaining the basis, so confirm the plant identity and discourage chewing.

Sources

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. If your cats ate Nasturtium, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nasturtium safe for cats?

ASPCA lists Tropaeolum majus as non-toxic to cats and reports no records of toxic ingestion. NC State Extension’s profile also tags the species as a potential problem for cats without explaining the basis, so confirm the plant identity and discourage chewing.

What should I do if my cats ate Nasturtium?

Remove any remaining plant material, note how much was eaten, and contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

What are safer plant alternatives for cats?

Browse our verified list of plants safe for cats at /best-plants/plants-safe-for-cats/. Popular picks include spider plant, Boston fern, and areca palm for cat and dog households.

How this Nasturtium profile is reviewed?

Editorial policyReview board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board

This Nasturtium plant profile was researched and written by . Care facts, watering ranges, light needs, and pet-safety notes for Nasturtium are checked against multiple independent references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

  • University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
  • Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
  • Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
  • Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.

Sources used

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Nasturtium (n.d.) Exact-species non-toxic classification and clinical-sign record. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/nasturtium (Accessed: 1 March 2024).
  2. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Tropaeolum majus (n.d.) Notes the conflicting general problem-for-cats tag. [Online]. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tropaeolum-majus/ (Accessed: 1 March 2024).